Castello di Monte San Giovanni Campano

The fortress contains two preserved towers from the 11th century, including a rectangular one and an unusual pentagonal structure with walls 3.5 meters thick.

In 1495, Charles VIII of France conquered the castle in eight hours using portable artillery, marking the first successful breach of fortification by cannon fire.

Thomas Aquinas spent two years imprisoned in the castle's rectangular tower when his family attempted to prevent him from joining the Dominican Order.

The castle stands at 420 meters above sea level in the Lazio region, approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Rome in central Italy.

The fortress maintained double-width patrol walks and communication passages within its walls, allowing it to house more than 1,000 defenders during sieges.

Location: Monte San Giovanni Campano

Address: via Corte, 3

GPS coordinates: 41.64041,13.51370

Latest update: April 17, 2025 14:59